Bolder Boulder 2017: Annual 10K shows true spirit of its host city

Memorial Day race has a little bit everything for everybody

On the cover: Kayla Sterner reacts to the crowd during the citizens race of the 2016 Bolder Boulder. Photo by (Paul Aiken, Staff Photographer)

Team USA's Alisha Williams, left, and Brianne Nelson pose for a picture after finishing the International Women's Race at the 2016 Bolder Boulder. (Jeremy Papasso / Staff Photographer)

What to know

What: 39th annual Bolder Boulder Memorial Day 10K race

When: 6:50 a.m. Monday

Where: Race starts near 30th and Walnut streets and finishes in Folsom Field on the CU Campus.

Registration: Sunday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. at the SportsEXHBIT on the Pearl Street Mall. Race-day registration is available on the southeast corner of Walnut and 30th Street from 5:45 a.m.-9 a.m. Go to bolderboulder.com for complete pricing options.

Schedule

5:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. — Race-day registration and packet pickup.

6:50 a.m. — Professional push rim starts.

6:55 a.m. — Citizen's race begins with "A" wave.

9:22 a.m. — Final citizen's walking wave starts.

11:13 a.m. — Women's International Team Challenge starts.

11:24 a.m. — Men's International Team Challenge start.

11:30 a.m. — Course cutoff. All citizen participants must be farther than the intersection of Folsom and Arapahoe.

Noon — Memorial Day Tribute begins in Folsom Field.

7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — RaceDayEXPO south of the stadium.

On television

KMGH Channel 7: Live segments of the International Team Challenge and Memorial Day tribute are from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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On the surface, the answer seems so simple.

Why is the Bolder Boulder perfect for Boulder?

Naturally, it's because Boulder is a running community, and the Bolder Boulder is one of the elite events on the running calendar each year.

In some ways, the running boom in the United States began in Boulder, because for many of the top runners around the world, this is their Mecca. It's the ideal place to train and be surrounded by people who share the same passion for the sport and a lifestyle focused on fitness.

"We've got a community that is committed to fitness and that lifestyle," said Bolder Boulder co-founder Steve Bosley. "One of our purposes is to serve the community."

The union of the Bolder Boulder and this community goes well beyond the simple act of running, however.

Boulder is a city known for its eclectic group of citizens, its beauty, its connection to the University of Colorado and its active patriotism.

The Bolder Boulder embodies all of that.

"The Bolder Boulder brings out the best in our city," said Cmdr. Walt Morgan, who organizes the annual Memorial Day tribute at the event. "We're an active town, so it highlights our activity; it highlights the beauty of our town. Aside from the activity and beauty, it really brings out our personality."

Danielle Hasse, left and Tungsten Alcazar head for the finish line during the 2016 Bolder Boulder.

Throughout the year, Boulder's often free-spirited personality can be seen on Pearl Street, on the CU campus, along Boulder Creek and any number of places around town.

Personality blossoms at the Bolder Boulder, where citizens have embraced the event and the opportunity to be a part of it in some way.

Those with homes along the race route look forward to setting up a slip 'n' slide, handing out bacon, or dancing in the streets to the music provided along the way.

Participants in the race range from those aiming for a specific time to those aiming to be as creative as possible with their race attire.

"Much like the city of Boulder, you can take yourself as seriously or not seriously as you want during Bolder Boulder," Morgan said. "You have the goofballs and you have the hardcore, and they all come together and they all seem pretty happy with the situation."

The event also embraces Boulder's connection to CU, with the race concluding inside Folsom Field, where thousands gather throughout the day.

"CU and the city of Boulder have had a historic relationship," Bosley said. "(The Bolder Boulder) brings the city of Boulder and CU closer together."

Don Janicki loves being inside the stadium on race day, as he watches the final stretch of the pro team challenge. The organizer of the pro event, Janicki watches annually as top runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea or elsewhere enter the stadium to the roar of the thousands in the stands.

"They embrace the international field," Janicki said. "It's awesome to see the culture, and Boulder is a very cultural type of town, so I think it just works really well."

Politically, Boulder has always been active, from anti-war protests in the 1970s to spirited rallies in recent years. While Boulder is a liberal city, there's certainly a variety of political views from citizens.

Regardless of political leanings, Bosley believes those in Boulder share a love for the United States, and that love is expressed during the Bolder Boulder's Memorial Day tribute.

"Patriotism transcends all of (the different views), or there wouldn't be that many people in the stands," Bosley said.

During the Memorial Day tribute, Morgan said the "sincerity and the appreciation of the crowd is very real. On that one day, the outpouring of support for our service members and for their sacrifice, it's very genuine."

It's genuine because the Bolder Boulder is an event that fits Boulder, in every way. It's a celebration of fitness, patriotism and being unique, and it brings that all together on the CU campus each Memorial Day.

"We're a catalyst," Bosley said. "All these elements we talk about it, we help them all come together."

Bosley believes there's a "magical" feel to the Bolder Boulder each year, and Morgan said this event puts Boulder on full display.

"Boulder is it's best self during the Bolder Boulder," he said.

Adrian Immitt, right, and Tyler Woodworth run through a spray of water to cool off during the 2016 Bolder Boulder. (Photos by Paul Aiken / Staff Photographer)

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